Hyena Man of Harar

Well actually there are two of them, but each night just outside the walled city of Harar, hyenas are called in for feeding time. The original Yussuf has been going for over 20 years and Long Tall Sally informs me she witnessed him first hand in 1991.

 

the original Hyena Man - Yussuf

This was once originally an annual event that was used by Moslem soothsayers for predicting events for the New Year depending on number of hyenas attracted and amount of food eaten.

 

He now has competition from young upstart, Bootasay, who also does a quality hyena experience. I am sure you’ll agree, there is not enough quality hyena experiences to be had.

Unsurprisingly these nightly antics has been a subject of wild-life documentaries and has become very much part of Harar’s travellist experience.

Wild hyenas ranging in number from 6 - 40 are fed on sticks, from the hand and even from the mouth. The “guides” of Harar claim to be either brothers or sons of “Hyena Man” and come swooping at sunset. Prices range from Birr50 – 100.

 

Despite my safaris in Namibia, Malawi,Tanzania and Uganda, this is my first encounter with the hyenas; they are usually shy and nocturnal. It is fascinating to see them in this urban setting. They are large close-up and a most bizarre looking back posture.